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Slow Cooker Carnitas

Slow Cooker Carnitas

Slow cooked pork shoulder that falls off the bone. Be sure to broil a bit of the shredded pork in the oven to crisp up the ends. Delicious!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Course Main Course
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 7 pounds pork shoulder, or pork butt
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp ando chile powder
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 2 tsp garlic
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 large orange, zest and juice
  • 1 12 ounce beer

Instructions
 

  • Cut pork into 3-4 large chunks. Place in slow cooker fat side up. Add spices, orange zest, and orange juice. Pour beer over pork. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, then low for 3 hours
  • Remove pork from slow cooker and cool for 10 minutes before shredding. Strain juices in slow cooker saving juices. Place juices in the refrigerator until a fat layer forms on the top. Carefully remove fat.
  • Prior to serving, spread shredded pork on a baking sheet. Drizzle some of the reserved juices over pork. Broil on high 6-8 minutes until the ends of the pork become crispy. Serve.

Notes

  • I can never seem to find a pork shoulder smaller than 7 pounds, so I cook it all and freeze into smaller portions for later.
  • Add to soft tortillas with red onion, queso fresco and guacamole, or spread over nachos and top with cheese, jalapeno and salsa.